Dutch Crèvecoeur Fortress one of Europe's most endangered heritage sites

The Dutch Crèvecoeur Fortress in Den Bosch is one of the seven most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe for 2022. This has been announced on 29 March 2022 by a jury of Europa Nostra and the European Investment Bank Institute.

The list of the 7 most endangered monuments and heritage sites in Europe is composed every year in order to raise awareness of the state of monuments and heritage sites in Europe. The sites on the list are threatened by neglect, planned demolition, unsuitable development, the devastating impact of natural disasters or lack of funding.

Organisations could nominate a monument or heritage site for the 2022 selection. At first, a selection of 12 locations was made on the basis of the outstanding heritage significance and cultural value of the sites as well as on the basis of the serious danger that they are facing today. The level of engagement of local communities and the commitment of public and private stakeholders to saving these sites were considered crucial added values. Another selection criterion was the potential of these sites to act as a catalyst for sustainable development and as a tool for promoting peace and dialogue within their localities and wider regions.

Launched in 2013, this programme forms part of a civil society campaign to save Europe’s endangered heritage. It raises awareness, prepares independent assessments and proposes recommendations for action. It also provides a grant of € 10,000 per listed site to assist in implementing an agreed activity that will contribute to saving the threatened site. In most cases, the listing of an endangered site serves as a catalyst and incentive for the mobilisation of necessary public or private support, including funding.

The Crèvecoeur Fortress was built in 1587 north of Den Bosch, along the Southern Water Defence Line. The fortress is one of the few remaining fortresses of the Eighty Years' War and played an important role in the history of the origin of the Netherlands. It stretches over 40 hectares of military history, including defensive earthworks and structures, casemates, canals and ramparts. The fortress has long been neglected. It has been listed as a national monument since 1793 and is owned by the Dutch Ministry of Defence. The Dutch Association for Heritage Protection Bond Heemschut has nominated the site.

See also: Europa Nostra, 7 most endangered and Bond Heemschut.